Funding could lead to more discoveries on the Deep History Coast of North Norfolk

Amateur archaeologists Dan Chamberlain and Russell Yeomans discovered what is believed to be a mammoth tibia on the beach at West Runton earlier this year. Mr Yeoman's website can be found at www.flint-paramoudra.com. Picture: Ally McGilvray

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A multi-million-pound project to celebrate north Norfolk’s Deep History Coast will be promoted with funding from North Norfolk District Council.

A report setting out the options for investing £500,000 in support of the area’s tourism economy was considered by the district council’s Cabinet on Monday, June 5.

And a recommendation to ask the council for the funding from capital reserves, to implement some elements of the project, including a trail and improved facilities, was approved at the meeting.

The local authority will now work with parish councils, businesses and community groups to identify the key elements of the bid that could be provided.

In April, a £2m funding bid to the Coastal Communities Fund for an ambitious ‘Deep History Coast’ project to showcase north Norfolk’s unique coastal archaeological and historical features and boost the local economy was not successful.

But Nigel Dixon, the council’s portfolio holder for business and economic development and tourism, said the council was still committed to taking the project forward.

He said: “Unfortunately we were unable to get the money, but we will deliver as much of the project as we can, a scaled-down version, within the reduced funding scenario.

“There is scope in the project to reveal the history of the coast from Weybourne to Cart Gap. This is quite an exciting opportunity and will support the tourism economy.”

Tom FitzPatrick, leader of the council, said: “The project stands on its own merits. We believe in it and know there is support from the wider community.”

The project was also supported by councillors Sarah Butikofer and Wyndham Northam, who said: “This part of the coastline is now considered one of the most important for finds in the world.”

Councillor John Lee added that, being able to contribute £500,000 from the reserves towards the project, showed how well-run the council was.

The Deep History Coast is home to some of the earliest evidence of human British civilisation. NNDC’s original plans included the creation of a new geology hub in Cromer and improved toilet facilities at West Runton and Cart Gap. It’s unclear how much of that vision will be realised in the scaled-down version of the project.